Is There Help Out There??

<HTML>Hi Everyone,
I just came across this site a couple nights ago. I was wondering if there is any help out there for a 42 year old single mom that has a couple or so learning disabilities? I would like to go back to college and get a 4 year degree.
I feel like I am at the end of my rope. I tried going back to college about 6 years ago. I did well until I had to start taking my generals (Math and English). I had to take Algerbra twice and still not passed. The teacher suggest I had a learning disability and that I should go be tested at the disability resource there at the college. She said they could help me if I did. So I set up the test and took it. When I was done the man that gave the test told me I would never make it through school and I might as well drop out now. I was so hurt because I did well in other classes it was just the math and english. I was wondering what I was a loser just because I had a hard time with those classes? He said I had a memory disordered and I would never be able to master spelling or math. A few weeks after the test I got the his clinical report. I started crying because the report was several pages long...and out of those several pages...there was one or two paragraphs that had to do with my disability and the rest was how I looked, how I was dressed, His total impression of me. He said I was fat (which is true, I have to admit) but he said the reason I was fat was because I was lazy. He reduced I was lazy because I was late. Which I was no late what so ever. I was early by a few minutes and I waited on him for close to a hour. I had to take the report to Social Services because they were helping me financially. Do you know how hard it was to take that report and let other people read it? But anyways why I am writting is that I was wondering is there any aids out there to help with learning math and english. To get us older people with disabilities to get a better education ? I am the sole provider of my children. I get no child support (that is another whole different story) I need a better education to provide for my children. Is there other grants that help people with learning disabilities get back to school?</HTML>

<HTML>Wow I thought the witch at my college was bad. That bass turd should be horsewhipped and I'm just the guy that can do it. You should show that report to The president of the college, the commissioner of education in your state, your state assemblyman and senator and a lawyer. You may also want to send a copy to the civil rights commision. That kind of crap is horrible. That was an assault. If you were my wife, my sister or my mom I'd be in that guy's office I'd be leaving in handcuffs and he'd be leaving in a coma.

Here's how you pass math. CHEAT!

It is important to get an accurate inventory of your strenghts and weaknesses. That way you can best decide what course of study you should take. Those of us with "LD" certianly have limited choices. As far as help is concerned I have yet to find much. Chances are you are on your own.

I would reccomend that you get a neuro psych test from a reputable Doc. A neuro psych is not the be all and end all but it at least gets you in the ball park.

My blood pressure is still surging after readding about the abuse that you have suffered at the hands of that slime bucket.

You may wanna take algebra in the summer and get a tutor and develop some cheating strategies. Math sucks. By the way what do you want to get a degree in? Also a Degree is not nessecarily the be all and end all either. Your college transcript will show the courses that you did take. Employers are not as stupid as educators. some of them get it.

As far as the obesity issue is concerned unfortunately most people make judgments about that. I am fit and lean and I think everyone should be. Being overweight is a choice but it does not indicate that you are lazy. all that indicates is that you eat too many calories. A proper diet and exercise will improve brain function. Also doing the hard work of working out is the purest form of tough self love. People make judgements. Whether those judgement are fair who knows but they do get made. I must admit that I am often judgmental even though I try not to be.

<HTML>I can't believe what I just read. I'm 45 and working on my MBA. I have an 18 year old son that has a learning disability, and I would probably be held for assault if that psycho wrote that about my child.

Don't let him tear down your self-esteem. I read Ball's reply and the weight issue he's right, you have to work on that yourself by controlling calories and exercising. Your will to learn is a good start. The Internet has resources (tutor) free.

Reading this brought tears to my eyes. Professionals are suppose to be there to help build, not tear down. Just think how children's spirit can be broken if we were to tell them what he told you. You have children, if they're school age do homework with them.....practice....practice.....practice.

Take it one step at a time and befriend your classmates and be honest that you need assistance. You'll be surprised to see that there are ones willing to tutor because it helps them as well.

I wish I had info for grants. I'll search and if I find anything, I forward it.

Don't give up.....let his letter be your motivator to succeed....make a liar out of him.</HTML>

<HTML>Excellent advice from Appalled. The part about befriending your class mates worked for me and them. Form a study group. In my case my "LD" was a result of a brain injury. I told my instructors that I have some learning difficulty due to being hit in the head too many times. They could relate to that. Most were OK about it. One was outstanding. One was completely useless.

<HTML>Ball,
I only told you part of the report he did. He ridiculed my clothes, shoes and how I wore my hair. By the time I got done reading that reported. I felt raped and humiliated.

What would a good neuro psych do? What kind of test would he do? How would I find my weaknesses and strengths?

Right now I am a substitute teacher. Here in Utah you do no have to be ceritified to be one. I love working with children. I also have two children with learning disabilities. My 19 year old has the same problems I have with memory. My little 10 year old she is mildly Autisic. I would like to do something in a field where I help develop programs to help people with disabilities. I also like working with the elderly. I truly believe Knowledge is power. I believe the knowledge is out there you just have to find it. And not give up until you do.

You did make me laugh when you told me to learn how to cheat with math...Heck I can't even cheat correctly...LOL Please help me in that area...

I have to disagree with the statement "Being overweight is a choice ". I believe everyone has a different metabolism. When I was a teenager my mom and I would diet it together. We would eat the same amount of food..and I would even exercise a lot more than her and she would lose a lot more than me. I would just look at a cookie and I gained 5 pounds. Where she could eat the cookie and not gain weight. But I do believe that exercise supplies blood to you brain and helps you think...just finding the right amount for you..is the question!!</HTML>

When I was in college I did hire a tutor didn't help much also joined study groups. I was hoping there was computer programs or other programs that were out there to help the learning disabled. I also learned I can't work and go to school at the same time...and also deal with family. So was looking for grants and such. I do belong to a website that searches for grants. I just wondered if there is any out there for people with LD.

I also have 2 daughters with learning disabilities...so know what it is like raising children with problems. And dealing with the schools..*yuck*

I know what being raped by the system is all about. In my case it was a gang rape. That lasted two years.

I am a lean fit 47 year old and I know that it is a scientific certianty and a mathmatical certianty that 99% of all humans have similar metabolic rates. Here's why; A 120# female has a basal metabolism of around 1500 calories. Her daily activities will burn 500. Therefore inorder for her to maintain 120# she needs to consume 2000calories per day. As your weight increases you require more calories to maintain your weight.Glandular disorders are rare. There is a little understood neurological connection to overeating and weight gain. Just like VR the diet industry is a scam.</HTML>

<HTML>Geeesh Ball....I couldn't even see that man being married...much less hold down a relationship. I mean if he treated his wife the way he treats the people he test....I sure wouldn't stick around if I was her....</HTML>

I didn't realize it was abuse until several months later when I realized my feelings and good support of some very good friends. Yes it was emotional rape. I realize how he was just a Dip @!#$ that gave a stupid test..personally I don't think I did that bad on the test until the very end..He ask me what a "quote" meant....I never heard of the quote before and I thought about it and still didn't understand what the quote meants. Then he read off 30 different names then ask me to say them back in order he gave them...I did call my mom that evening and ask her what the quote meant and she said she never heard of it before and also didn't have a clue what it meant. Now here is a woman that knows her quotes and their meaning. After talking with her I didn't feel so stupid. Now if she would have told me what it meant I would have...LOL

<HTML>Congrads on going back to college and the moron who tested you is an idoit. If he had any sense he would know that a truely lazy person wouldnt go back to college. But what does he know?

But to the whole getting help in math and english. I can totally relate too. I have horrible grammar and spelling skills and my math is some what lacking (algebra is horrible, but I can do geometry and simple math in my head(ie add, subtract, multiply, divide))

You may want to take a step back and see what you excel in. Then you can get an idea of what classes you can get through. Also when it comes to memorizing, try to think of stupid catchy little things. For some reason this example comes to my mind. When I was in 3rd grade I had the hardest time trying to spell together, but my teacher taught me the most valubale trick...breaking it down. So even to this day when I go to spell together I think of it as to-get-her.

Also, there are 3 main types of learning. I am a visual learner. You can talk at and try to explain something to me for hours but that doesnt know I understand it. You may have the same case (keep in mind I am only 20 and not a professional). But math and english are usually more lecture classes and you really cant see how they came to that conclusion. I only did good in math course when the teacher would break down the whole problem and go through it and show me each step and explain it to me why it worked the way it worked. So keep that in mind too.

So screw the @!#$ who orginally tested you and go find someone smarter and more understand get tested there. Call around to places. And again from my experiences, usually the people who work with LD/BD/ED people are only nice if they know what they are talking about. Because only kind hearted people can put that much time into helping an individaul exceed.

<HTML>Omigod, AA, you hit the nail on the head!! I remember when my VR counselor looked at my resume, she was dumbfounded as to why i needed help. That's how I got stuck in the clerical field doing my boring data entry. I have a friend who went through the same thing. I don't think VR is meant for those with college degrees. I finally found the courage to break out of that mold and try for a Masters degree. I just started a class tonight (non-matriculated) and I love it! I plan on talking with my teacher next week before class to discuss my issues. She even seems cool about taping the lectures. My husband and sister fully support me. I think my parents are a bit shaky, but that's a different story :)

AA, good luck on your classes! How is a Masters level certificate different from a full degree?

Thecomments on the professionalism of the evaluation are almost too mild. This is a man that needs to be banned from practising; that is, have his license revoked. Send a copy of the report to your state licensing board and find a lawyer who will work pro bono to threaten to sue the school. You may find such a service at a local law school.

Did you pass any course before the algebra course or were you dumped in that one? How much math did you have in high school? Do you balance your check book? can you figure wall paper areas allowing for pattern matching?

Learning math is a real problem for adults and few teachers seem to have any training.

Stick to it. Often we have to walk a stony path so that others may fly after us. What you do about your disability is central to your role as a teacher. You must pursue a solution.

<HTML> I am a student at the Ohio State University, I spent five years there, and the
final two I spent fighting the system. I received a waiver from the req: courses.
You can do the same, go to your counselor take your testing with you and any-
thing you can get from high schools and elementary. Be bold, take no @!#$. write
a sympathetic letter to the board and they should waive them. But if you are
starting out, go to a University that supports LD students unlike Ohio State.
Remember you are protected by laws, and if all else fails get a lawyer and
sue the hell out of the University, then you won't need a degree.</HTML>

<HTML>After the test was done I did take the report to the Disability Services at the University. The lady took a whole two minutes to look over the report and told me Sorry can't help you because a Memory disorder isn't a Disability in this state.
Back when I was in grade school and high school I don't think there was testing like there is today. Way back then they did not have resource classes. The special ed classes they did have you had to fail everything to get there. Only problems I had was with math and English. I pulled good grades in History, Science, Arts, Home Ec.
What a good idea...getting a lawyer and sue the guy that tested me and also the University...and get enough money to send myself to Law school so I could sue people like the man that tested me...Now that is poetic justice!!!!</HTML>

<HTML>Megan,
Don't see how I missed your post. I had the check mark I thought at the bottom of the post...ohh well...

You are so right about learning little tricks.I am also a visual in fact VERY VISUAL learner. I also met up with a PHD on a pen pal site and we would e-mail back and forth for a while and he was always sending me test to take that he and his partner made up to see how your brain works. Well at the end of the test mine always came out..." your are a RARE BIRD! There are only 1 out of 3,000,000 think like you.....geesh thanks! After the 3rd test..I said thanks but no thanks...I already knew when I was about three I was different from everyone else. Now tell me something I don't know...LOL

Not sure what I excel in really. I have been looking really hard for my passions in life. I have not found anything that I just love and want to do the rest of my life. I love children and but not sure if I could take 23 years of teaching. I could always handle the kids just not the administration. Or the public school system.
Plus it would be nice to be appriecated for what you do and teachers don't get that now.

Please don't worry about the typo's or spelling....I can't even correct my own work very well....</HTML>

<HTML>Unfortunately, there are many people who have power who use that power in negative ways. Since I'm not good at dealing with people like that, I'm not good at giving advice, other than to suggest that you try not to take what he wrote personally.

You don't sound like someone who treats others the way that he treated you, so it seems to me that you have qualities that are far superior to what he demonstrates. These qualities seem more important than what you weigh or how you dress or whether or not you know some quote.

I wonder if some of the learning programs that are designed for children and adolescents might be of some help. I'm not suggesting them to put you down. I'm someone who does well with computer learning and who has used children's programs for my own learning needs.</HTML>